Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums (gingiva), which typically result from an accumulation of films of bacteria on the teeth. However, if not properly treated, gingivitis can advance to a more severe condition known as periodontitis that can eventually lead to teeth loss.
Gingivitis is characterized by change in color of the gums from pink to red, swollen gums, and bleeding after brushing teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the best solutions to Gingivitis. Ensuring proper and regular brushing using antiseptic mouthwash along with flossing have been found to be of great help in handling gingivitis.
According to The World Workshop in Clinical Periodontics, gingival diseases are of two types:
- Dental plaque-induced gingival disease
- Non-plaque induced gingival lesions
What are the signs and symptoms of gingivitis?
Symptoms of mild gingivitis may go unnoticed since the condition is mild. However, one should seek immediate medical attention.
Some of the common gingivitis signs and symptoms include:
- Bright red or purple gums
- Gums are tender once touched, and at times painful
- Bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing)
- Halitosis (bad mouth odor)
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Sensitive gums
What are the causes of gingivitis?
Plaque and tartar accumulation
The most evident cause of gingivitis is bacterial plaque accumulation between and surrounding the teeth; this produces an immune response that can result in the destruction of gum tissue, eventually leading to complications, such as the loss of teeth.
Plaque is a thin biofilm of bacteria. It naturally and consistently accumulates on your teeth surface. While plaque progresses, it hardens and turns into tartar. Moreover, as plaque extends under the gingival line, you can develop an infection. You may eventually experience irritating gums as a result of plaque and tartar.
Some of the other causes of Gingivitis include:
- Hormonal changes – during puberty, menopause, pregnancy and menstrual cycle.
- Poor nutrition.
- Certain diseases – for instance, leukemia, diabetes, and HIV.
- Drugs – such as steroids, cancer therapy medications.
- Tobacco usage – regular smokers usually develop gingivitis, unlike non-smokers.
- Family history – according to medical experts, if your parent had gingivitis, you are at a greater risk of suffering from the condition.
Gingivitis Diagnosis and treatment options
Your visit to your dentist or oral hygienist includes checking for any symptoms of gingivitis, for instance, plaque and tartar. Your gums are also probed using a small ruler to check for gum inflammation or X-ray to check for any bone loss.
If gingivitis is identified early enough, you will be referred to a periodontist (specialist in gum diseases treatment) where you will receive immediate treatment and follow-up procedures performed at home.
Gingivitis professional treatment includes:
- Removal of Plaque and tartar a procedure referred to as scaling.
- Your dental expert explains to you on how to observe good oral hygiene as well as its importance.
- You will have regular checkups and professional cleaning of your teeth
- To make it easy to treat gingivitis, your dentist may be required to fix your teeth if you have crooked teeth or wrongly fixed crowns and bridges.
Care at Home:
- Teeth cleaning should be done on a twice a day basis
- Use electric toothbrushes as they brush better than doing it yourself.
- Floss your teeth daily, at least once.
- Ask your dentist for a recommended antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth regularly.
Possible complications from gingivitis
In most of the cases, if gingivitis is treated early and the patient follows the correct instructions from a professional, future complication are prevented too. If however the condition is not checked, the disease spreads from the gum and starts affecting the tissues, bones and teeth, and eventually leading to periodontitis.
There are possible complications that may develop from gingivitis which may include:
- Gingival abscess
- Trench mouth – bacterial infection which causes ulceration.
- Jaw bones abscess
- Periodontitis
- Gingivitis keeps recurring
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gingivitis can be linked to greater risk of stroke, diabetes, lung disease, and heart attack. Pregnant women also have higher risks of delivering premature babies.